New Caledonian President says it's time for 'democracy to do the talking' after historic Bougival Accord

Australia Broadcast Center

2 days ago

New Caledonian President Alcide Ponga hopes the new Bougival Accord, which emerged after 10 days of gruelling talks in France, could offer a path to stability after what has been a political "rollercoaster ride" for the country.
Since violence erupted across the French territory in May 2024 and claimed the lives of 14 people, the damage done is estimated to have cost New Caledonia two billion euros ($3.6 billion).
Mr Ponga last spoke with ABC Pacific in March, as French Minister for Overseas Manuel Valls flew in and out of the French territory, attempting to get pro-independence and French loyalists to agree.
Four months later, the Bougival Accord was signed on July 12 at a meeting called by French President Emmanuel Macron.
The French president met with New Caledonia's elected officials and state representatives in Paris to discuss an agreement aimed at granting the island more autonomy. ( AP: Pool Reuters )
By February 2026, a public referendum must be held. But it won't be a question of independence, but rather a vote to endorse the Accord.
Mr Ponga told ABC Pacific it was "essential to reach an objective" and for the group of pro-independence and French loyalists to leave France with a plan.
"Now is the time to let the democracy [do the] talking," he said.
"It is our duty to do that because people in New Caledonia; they're waiting for us."
While Mr Macron dubbed the proposed agreement "historic", Mr Ponga views it more as a "compromise" document than an agreement.
"For me, if I was to put a title around this document, I would say that it's not [an] agreement from Bougival, it's compromised from Bougival."
The Bougival Accord
One of the headlines to come out of the proposed agreement was granting New Caledonia more autonomy.
Creating a 'State of New Caledonia' within the French Republic, to be enshrined in the French Constitution
Creating a 'State of New Caledonia' within the French Republic, to be enshrined in the French Constitution Introduce a Caledonian nationality, allowing Caledonians dual nationality
Introduce a Caledonian nationality, allowing Caledonians dual nationality A special organic law (Loi Organique), will define the conditions for implementing the agreement
A special organic law (Loi Organique), will define the conditions for implementing the agreement A fundamental law, which would be adopted by the Congress of New Caledonia, will outline New Caledonia's capacity for self-organisation
A fundamental law, which would be adopted by the Congress of New Caledonia, will outline New Caledonia's capacity for self-organisation The provisions of the 1998 Noumea Accord that are not contrary to the Bougival Accord will remain in force
The provisions of the 1998 Noumea Accord that are not contrary to the Bougival Accord will remain in force New Caledonians will vote on the Bougival Accord
Under the agreement, France and New Caledonia's shared authority over foreign affairs would be handed over to the Government of New Caledonia.
"We [are] talking about the relation, international relations, we can have more responsibility in New Caledonia to have agreements with regions here in the Pacific," Mr Ponga said.
The agreement outlines that New Caledonia will conduct its diplomatic work "in accordance with the international commitments and the interests of France".
"We will have to work on that with France to say, 'Ok guys, we [are] still French, but in some areas, New Caledonia can sign some relationship or some agreement'."
The issue of voter eligibility was also pressure point when the deadly violence erupted last year.
The Accord proposes to expand eligibility to those who have lived in New Caledonia for 15 years to the date of the next election will be eligible to vote.
Mr Ponga believes expanding voter eligibility will help New Caledonia rebuild.
"If we want to build [a] country, we need people, we need consumers," he said.
"We need produce. We need people to pay tax. We need people to plant yam or salad, tomatoes, potatoes.
"You need people to make [the] economy great again; I'm not American guy. Make [the] economy in New Caledonia great again."
Mr Ponga made his early career in the nickel industry before going into politics, and believes the industry will also play a key role in rebuilding New Caledonia's economy.
The Accord outlines an economic pact that would facilitate the export of nickel ore as part of a "renewed nickel doctrine".
The President told ABC Pacific that New Caledonia needed to create a "good atmosphere" for investment rather than relying on France for money.
"If we put on the table the good regulatory, you can make investors want to come to New Caledonia and put money on nickel, money on energy, put money on blue economy."
But Mr Ponga recognises that there is some convincing to do for the Accord to be passed.
"We are different community, but we have to create one country and to make our country improve economically."